How to Find Info About Your Pocket Watch

The Pocket Watch Database has compiled data covering the major American pocket watch manufacturers and created an easy way to find information using the serial number on the watch movement. Here are a few tips to find information about your pocket watch:

Always input the serial number from the pocket watch movement (the "guts" of the watch).

Never use the serial number from the case or any other part.

If the serial number includes a letter, enter it along with the number when using the lookup feature.

Many pocket watch case backs screw off. Others may require a dull wide blade to pry or pop the cover. Be careful not to scratch or damage the movement.

Always select the correct manufacturer, which is usually stamped on the watch movement.

If the manufacturer is not listed on the site, you may have a "private label" watch or it may not be American-made.

Understand that many companies did not keep accurate or complete records. As a result, information displayed on this site may have inaccuracies. This is to be expected, and we have included an option to report inaccurate information on the result pages so the database can be continually improved.

1954 Waltham Gray Book Serial List

Commonly referred to as the "Gray Book," this Waltham resource was published in September 1954 and contains information on watches manufacturered by the American Waltham Watch Company from 1857-1954. Over the years, countless mistakes have been discovered in this resource. Many of these mistakes have been attributed to similar watches being merged into combined serial ranges. Therefore, caution should be excercised when evaluating this resource. When a discrepancy is found, it is advised to trust the watch, not the source data. Despite these faults, the "Gray Book" is still one of the key sources for Waltham serial range information.

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We aim to empower the community of watch collectors and enthusiasts by providing invaluable information in an accessible way.

The Pocket Watch Database is a continuing work in progress. The information displayed should be verified independently.